7 Habits of Highly Effective Fitness

Any of us over 40 may remember the famous management guru of the 1990's Stephen Covey and his infamous "7 Habits of Highly Effective People". Everyone in business had to read it and it became a cultural phenomenon.
Without going into the nitty-gritty of the book, he studied and analyzed hundreds of successful leaders, politicians and business people to come up with the habits they had in common that made them successful.

Core to Covey's paradigm is the belief that the way we see the world is entirely based on our own perceptions. In order to change a given situation, we must change ourselves, and in order to change ourselves, we must be able to change our perceptions. This is more true when it comes to fitness than anywhere else. As trainers, we often hear: "I can't do that!" right before the person does it.
Perception.
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So, as I reflected on fitness and what I have witnessed through our members and trainers at 614Fitness, the 7 Habits stuck to me like an extended set of burpees.

Just to review, here are Covey's 7 Habits:

1. Be Proactive
2. Begin with the End in Mind
3. Put First Things First
4. Think Win-Win
5. Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
6. Synergize
7. Sharpen the Saw

In this 7 part series, we will examine each of the habits and how they relate to becoming fitter, stronger and in the best shape of your life.

Habit # 1: Be Proactive
Question: How do you eat an elephant?
Answer: 1 bite at a time.
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Often the hardest part of getting in shape is getting started. Not knowing where to begin. Stressing over past attempts and failures. Or simply being afraid of failure (or success). Being proactive involves taking control of your thoughts and messages. Replacing phrases like

• "I might" with "I will".
• "I can't" with "I'll sure try"
• "Maybe someday" with "Right now! Let's do this"

Making that decision to really commit to your fitness is a big step and should not be taken lightly. Being fit, strong and in the best shape of your life is not something that comes easily. There is not a one-size-fits-all package. And it should never be left up to the lowest price or most convenient location. Being fit is a lifelong journey and finding the people along that journey to keep you motivated and on track is essential.
You will need to do these 5 things to become a fitter, stronger version of yourself:

1. Commit - be proactive and make the decision to do it, no matter what
2. Be patient - it ain't gonna happen overnight (no matter what the internet/TV tells you)
3. Change your perception - believe in your ability to be an awesome athlete and don't let anyone (including yourself) tell you otherwise.
4. Find the right path - not every fitness option out there is right for everyone. Find a place that will nurture your journey and support you along the way​
5. Persevere - there are going to be struggles, set backs and failures along the way, but you will push through (sounds like life, huh?)

So let's do this! That inner athlete/warrior is dying to get out and see what amazing feats he/she can accomplish. 

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